Lake Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Martin |
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Acapulco Rock and Chimney Rock at the lake
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 Lake Martin
Location in Alabama
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| Location | Coosa / Elmore / Tallapoosa counties, Alabama, United States |
| Coordinates | 32°45′59.37″N 85°54′3.85″W / 32.7664917°N 85.9010694°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Tallapoosa River |
| Primary outflows | Tallapoosa River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 31 mi (50 km) |
| Surface area | 44,000 acres (18,000 ha) |
| Average depth | 41 ft (12 m) |
| Max. depth | 155 ft (47 m) |
| Shore length1 | 743 mi (1,196 km) |
| Settlements | Alexander City, Jackson's Gap, Dadeville |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
| Martin Dam | |
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| Founded | 1923 |
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Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage
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| Official name: Martin Dam | |
| Designated | January 5, 1976 |
Lake Martin is a huge lake in Alabama, located across Tallapoosa, Elmore, and Coosa counties. It covers about 44,000 acres (178 square kilometers) and has over 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) of beautiful, tree-lined shoreline.
This large lake is actually a reservoir, which means it's a human-made lake. It was created by building the Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River. The dam's powerhouse uses the river's water to generate electric power for the Alabama Power Company.
Construction of Martin Dam started in 1923 and finished in 1926. When it was completed, it was the biggest human-made body of water in the entire world! The dam was first called Cherokee Bluffs, named after the natural rock formations where it was built. In 1936, it was renamed Martin Dam to honor Thomas Martin, who was the president of Alabama Power Company at the time. Parts of the lake's shoreline are owned by Alabama Power and Russell Lands.
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Fun Things to Do at Lake Martin
Lake Martin is the third largest lake in Alabama and a very popular place for fun activities. Many people come here to swim, go boating, water ski, camp, and even play golf. You can find many homes and neighborhoods right on the water around the lake. Nearby cities include Alexander City, Dadeville, Jackson's Gap, and Eclectic.
The lake hosts exciting events all year long. These include fishing tournaments, a big fireworks show on the 4th of July, and the Alexander City Jazz Festival every June. There's also entertainment at the Route 63 Lake Martin Amphitheater.
Lake Martin has many cool spots to explore. You might see eagle nests, enjoy sandy beaches, or visit restaurants and camping areas. Popular islands like Goat Island are also fun to discover.
Famous Lake Martin Landmarks
The lake has several well-known landmarks. These include the Smith Mountain Fire Tower, the Kowaliga Bridge, and many marinas. But perhaps the most famous landmark is Chimney Rock. It's a large rock formation that looks like a chimney.
Right next to Chimney Rock is another formation called Acapulco Rock. Many people actually mistake Acapulco Rock for Chimney Rock. Before Martin Dam was built, this area was a deep river gorge. The water here is more than 150 feet (46 meters) deep! Thousands of boaters visit this spot every year to watch people climb about 60 feet (18 meters) up the rock and jump into the water.
Exploring Lake Martin's Islands
Lake Martin has many small islands that are popular spots for visitors. Here are some of them:
- Cemetery Island - This tiny island in the Bay Pine area holds a small county graveyard from before the dam was built.
- Chimney Rock Island - This island is a famous landmark, named for a tall, chimney-like rock sticking out from its top.
- Acapulco Rock Island - Located next to Chimney Rock Island, this is often mistaken for Chimney Rock itself.
- Deer Island - This small island is near Kowaliga Marina. When water levels are low, it connects to the mainland. Deer sometimes get stuck here when water levels rise after they've crossed over.
- Doctor's Island - This island got its name because a group of doctors used it as a base camp for fishing.
- Goat Island - Found north of Martin Dam, this island is home to a family of goats!
- Real Island - This isn't actually an island, but a community named after "Real Island Road" and a nearby marina.
- Sand Island - A small island between Willow Point and Kowaliga Marina. Rocks have been placed around it to stop erosion. Boats often park on its shallow, sandy beach. It's probably the smallest island on the lake.
- Young's Island - The Young family's home (from Young's ferry) was once here. Its foundation and historic markers for the family's children's graves remain.
- Weed Hill Island - This small island is across from the Pleasure Point Marina boat ramp. It used to be much larger, but erosion has made it smaller.
- Wood's Island - A larger island with hiking trails. It connects to the mainland by a land bridge when water levels are low. You can find it at the end of Young's Ferry Road on the west side of the lake.
- Wilmarth's Island - This is the only island on Lake Martin where people live.
Tornadoes at Lake Martin
Lake Martin has experienced powerful tornadoes in the past.
- On April 27, 2011, a very strong EF4 tornado swept across Lake Martin. It destroyed many valuable houses and businesses. Some cars were even carried over 100 yards! This tornado caused seven deaths in the region. Its path through Elmore, Tallapoosa, and Chambers counties was 44.2 miles (71.1 kilometers) long.
- Another tornado hit the northern side of the lake on January 12, 2023. This tornado was rated EF3, but the most severe damage near the lake was rated EF2.
See also
